By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on behalf of the FCT Administration, yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MAG International Links Limited for the construction of a flagship project, the Abuja City Mall in the Abuja Technology Village, located in the Lugbe area along the Abuja Airport Road.
Wike, before putting pen to paper, said the company has passed a sincerity test before the allocation of 200 hectares for the project.
He noted that times have changed, as so-called investors acquire large expanses of land, only to become land speculators in the end, as they end up selling plots of the land.
Following this experience, the FCT Administration has insisted on timelines for the project, with groundbreaking and foundation completion scheduled for next month, August 2025.
A substantial portion of the project is expected to be ready by May 2026, coinciding with the President’s third anniversary.
Wike said he would not hesitate to revoke the land allocation if the timelines are violated beyond redemption.
Speaking before the signing ceremony, Wike said, “Mr President, in some of his shuttles, made it clear that Nigeria is free and we are ready to welcome investors that will come and contribute to the development of our country.
“With the enabling environment provided by Mr President and with the support of the FCT Administration, we welcome those who want to partner with us in the development of Abuja. The project, the Abuja City Walk, will be like the Dubai City Walk.”
Warning that times have changed for land speculators to disguise themselves as investors to collect allocation and sell after, Wike said, “The first day I came here, I made it clear that I’m tired of people indicating interest to develop. They ask for land in the name of development and investment, only to turn to land speculators. This time around, we will not accept that.
“When they came, I wanted to see how sincere they were. They assured me of their sincerity. I told them to wait behind, and we went to see the proposed land for the Abuja City Walk.
“I invited all the relevant officials: Director of Lands; Director, Development Control; Director, Survey; and Director of Urban and Regional Planning.
“So we went to the Abuja Technology Village, where they have identified, and I want to make it clear, we have had problems, land grabbers in Abuja Technology Village; even those in the technology village are part of the problems we are having.
“For the past 20 years, nothing has happened. And therefore, I would not like to lose this opportunity, as we have seen investors who are genuinely interested in investing and developing. If anybody has gone to Dubai and has seen the Dubai City Walk, there is no way you will not appreciate and encourage investors to please come, as we are willing to work with them.”
Wike said such investments are the essence of the renewed hope agenda and that employment opportunities would be provided when the project kicks off.
He also assured that to underscore the importance of the project, the Minister has not only approved their technical drawing, but their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) is equally ready.
“The very essence of the renewed hope agenda is not only to bring investors, but also to create employment for our people. And I did direct that I was going to chair this so that they will know the seriousness we attach to this. I want to confirm that they have submitted their drawings, which have been approved, and their Certificate of Origin (C-of-O) is now ready.
“Today we will hand over the C-of-O, sign the agreement, and they must hit the ground running. We have to see that they are serious, and I’ve seen that they are very, very serious.”
Due to litigations and other issues on the land, the Minister has mandated the Director of Development Control to take charge and ensure access by the developers.
The Minister also promised access road to the project site.
“If we can have that in this city, of course, Nigerians will know, indeed, that Mr. President has changed the narrative as far as development in Abuja is concerned. If Nigeria had had this support before now, it would have gone far.” Wike said.
Responding, Kassim Gidado, Executive Director of MAG International Links Limited, stated that their organisation, comprising approximately 15 companies, has been thoroughly tested and has been in the business of attracting investors to Nigeria for a considerable time.
“We’ve been in the business of attracting investors into Nigeria for quite some time as a group. We’ve also been promoting export of Nigerian goods to the Gulf region, not just to Dubai but to all the Gulf states.”
He said they were also committed to Mr. President’s renewed hope agenda as Nigerian stakeholders.
He said they operate in about 35 different countries around the world.
Gidado also assured that the project would make a significant impact, as it was capable of creating a generation of employment and leaving a lasting mark.
The Abuja City Walk is a landmark, master-planned development set to redefine the urban experience in the Federal Capital Territory.
The globally successful City Walk concept in Dubai inspires it and brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, institutional, and healthcare components.
